Patrick Semansky / AP
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jarvis Landry, right, celebrates his touchdown with free safety Michael Thomas, left, and defensive back Jordan Kovacs during the second half of an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2015, in Landover, Md.
Sunday, Sept. 11, 2016 | 2 a.m.
Week 1: Patriots at Cardinals
- Which side would you take in Patriots at Cardinals? (Public consensus last year: 11-6-2)
- Cardinals minus-6 — 66.2%
- Patriots plus-6 — 33.8%
This poll is closed, see Full Results »
Note: This is not a scientific poll. The results reflect only the opinions of those who chose to participate.
Talking Points newsletter
Related Coverage
The Sun’s sports staff is back to compete in an NFL handicapping contest for the fifth straight year.
Each of our four writers will pick six plays off of the South Point betting board, sides and totals both accepted, before every NFL Sunday with year-long bragging rights and maybe a meal or two up for grabs. One of the wagers will be labeled as a best bet each week, with an explanation.
For week 1, the four best bets come from four different games. There’s also at least one pick on each of the 15 games on the schedule.
Check below to find full week 1 picks for the Sun’s handicapping contest.
Case Keefer (2012, 2014 & 2015 champion, 2013 co-champion)
Lifetime Record: 219-182-7 (58-42-2 last year)
Buccaneers plus-3 at Falcons
Jets plus-2.5 vs. Bengals
Saints minus-1.5 vs. Raiders
Bears plus-6 at Texans
Cowboys pick’em vs. Giants
Best Bet: Ravens minus-3 vs. Bills Rex Ryan didn’t do the one thing everyone assumed he would in his first year in Buffalo and maintain the Bills’ stingy defense. It won’t get any better now that he’s brought in his brother Rob Ryan, who oversaw one of the worst defenses in NFL history last year, as defensive coordinator, especially not against a healthy Ravens’ offense.
Taylor Bern
Lifetime Contest Record: 193-201-14 (47-51-4 last year)
Titans plus-2.5 vs. Vikings
Bears vs. Texans under 44
Dolphins plus-10.5 at Seahawks
Colts minus-3.5 vs. Lions
Cowboys pick’em vs. Giants
Best Bet: Browns plus-3.5 at Eagles The only thing I have less confidence in than the Cleveland Browns is Philadelphia quarterback Carson Wentz. The Browns will actually get out to a decent start this season, starting with a straight-up victory against Wentz and company.
Ray Brewer (2013 co-champion)
Lifetime Record: 193-205-10 (48-50-4 last year)
Ravens minus-3 vs. Bills
Packers vs. Jaguars over 48
Dolphins plus-10.5 at Seahawks
Patriots plus-7 at Cardinals
Rams minus-2.5 at 49ers
Best Bet: Saints minus-1.5 vs. Raiders The Saints’ home field advantage at the Superdome is one of the best in the NFL. It gets pretty loud in there to force opponents into turnovers and give the Saints players extra motivation. And the Raiders may be the league’s most overrated team.
Jesse Granger
Lifetime Contest Record: 0-0
Chargers vs. Chiefs over 44.5
Jaguars plus-5.5 vs. Packers
Colts minus-3.5 vs. Lions
Patriots vs. Cardinals under 45.5
Steelers minus-3 at Redskins
Best Bet: Titans minus-2 vs. Vikings I love home underdogs, and a team without a quarterback shouldn’t be favored over anyone on the road. Minnesota’s run defense is middle of the road, and the rushing trio of DeMarco Murray, Derrick Henry and quarterback Marcus Mariota carry Tennessee to the upset victory.
Case Keefer can be reached at 702-948-2790 or [email protected]. Follow Case on Twitter at twitter.com/casekeefer.
Join the Discussion:
Check this out for a full explanation of our conversion to the LiveFyre commenting system and instructions on how to sign up for an account.
Full comments policy